Beneath the Spin * Eric L. WattreeWHY I LOVE BEING BLACKDuring the sixties we used to say, “I’m Black and I’m proud,” but we never said why. I’d like to correct that..I absolutely LOVE being Black - and I'm not just saying that because it's expected of me. While I have the ultimate respect for the unique character of every race and ethnicity, if I'm reincarnated a thousand times, I…See More

Beneath the Spin * Eric L. WattreeWHY I LOVE BEING BLACKDuring the sixties we used to say, “I’m Black and I’m proud,” but we never said why. I’d like to correct that..I absolutely LOVE being Black - and I'm not just saying that because it's expected of me. While I have the ultimate respect for the unique character of every race and ethnicity, if I'm reincarnated a thousand times, I…See More

Beneath the Spin * Eric L. WattreeThese Hands, And This Face, Are Worth Fighting For.These Hands Represent the Blood, Sweat, and Tears of Selfless Sacrifice . . . And this Face, is What that Sarifice Was All AboutWake Up, My people Eric L. Wattree…See More

Beneath the Spin * Eric L. WattreeThese Hands, And This Face, Are Worth Fighting For.These Hands Represent the Blood, Sweat, and Tears of Selfless Sacrifice . . . And this Face, is What that Sarifice Was All AboutWake Up, My people Eric L. Wattree…See More

Profile Information

So what brings you to Leimert Park Beat? Tell us a little bit about yourself.

Eric L. Wattree is a writer, poet, and musician, born in Los Angeles. He’s a columnist for The Los Angeles Sentinel, Black Star News, and Staff writer for Veterans Today. He's also the author of "A Message From the Hood."

Some of the greatest minds I've ever known
held court while sitting on empty milk crates
in the parking lot of ghetto liquor stores.
At their feet I embraced the love of knowledge,
And through their tutelage defined self-worth
In my own terms.

These were the “Eulipians”—
writers, poets, musicians, painters,
and uncommon drunks—
those shade-tree philosophers who
contemplate the fungus between the
toes society;
Who dance with reckless abandon,
unfettered by formal inhibition
through the presumptuous
speculation of the ages;
Who live in county jails, cardboard boxes,
alley ways, and luxury Apartments.
Insignificant here in Great Bruteland,
but of ultimate significance in the eyes of God.

While these obscure intellectuals
stand well outside the mainstream
of academy, I’ve watch
with astonished delight as
they sang, scat, and scribed their
various philosophies into the
mainstream of human knowledge.

Their philosophy?
knowledge is free, thus,
will transcend attempts
to be contained through barriers
of caste and privilege,
leaving man's innate thirst
for knowledge free to someday
overwhelm his lust for stupidity.

I am with you on Tavis and his negativity where Obama is concerned. I don't have a problem with people like Cornel West and Michael E Dyson, who have publicly talked about what they disagree with the president on because they give him credit when credit is due too. But it is clear from the election that Tavis has some sort of personal grievance with Obama beyond his policies. Eddie says that Tavis can rattle off a list of things he agrees with the president on, but I for one don't recall hearing any of that in his commentary. Thanks for the list you included too.

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.: The Floricanto Center for the Performing Arts celebrates the children of our neighborhoods with a community celebration, Fiesta del Niño. Floricanto will do this by highlighting some of the various cultures that are part of Los Angeles and showcasing their traditions through the eyes of the children. The Fiesta del Niño will be comprised of performances by Lula Washington’s Youth Dance Ensemble, the children of Kayamanan Ng Lahi Philippine Folk Arts, children from Tierra Blanca Dance…See More

These Eclectic Artists Spread Wisdom, Inner Healing &Mentoring through Music, Poetry & Art to Bring Love, Harmony & Prosperity to the Community. The Royal Queens welcome Sisters of all ages and races to Come Express her Heart through Art and a Sister Circle Open Forum Discussion on How to Live a Happy Life. Join the Art, Music and Artist Movement for a non-stop entertaining extravaganza.See More

South LA Neighborhood Selected as the 2015 Emergency Plan / Full Scale Exercise Recipient!March 23, 2015EMD is excited to announce that the United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council (UNNC) has been selected as the partner NC for our 2015 program. Together, we will develop a 5 Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness Emergency Plan for their area and conduct a full scale neighborhood exercise to test that plan! Stay tuned for details and congratulations to the UNNC! …See More

Sri Karunamayi, venerated in India as a living incarnation of the Divine Mother, will visit Los Angeles from April 3-5, 2015 to offer spiritual discourses and individual blessings. “Karunamayi” literally means “compassionate Mother”, she warmly receives all who approach her as her beloved children.Individual Blessings Friday, April 3rd 11 am to 5 pm. (FREE)Meditation Retreat Saturday, April 4th 8 am to 6 pm (Registration required).April 3rd and 4th Programs will be held at the Pasadena…See More

South LA Neighborhood Selected as the 2015 Emergency Plan / Full Scale Exercise Recipient!March 23, 2015EMD is excited to announce that the United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council (UNNC) has been selected as the partner NC for our 2015 program. Together, we will develop a 5 Steps to Neighborhood Preparedness Emergency Plan for their area and conduct a full scale neighborhood exercise to test that plan! Stay tuned for details and congratulations to the UNNC! …See More

LADWP Offers $10 To Go Paperless
For a limited time, LADWP is offering a $10 bill credit for new paperless billing customers. Customers who sign up for paperless billing through ladwp.com will receive a $10 credit on their next…